campaign 2012

Romney to Get Secret Service Protection

TAMPA, Fla. -- Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney will get Secret Service protection as early as Thursday, National Journal and CBS News have confirmed.

Romney's security has been stepped up over the past few weeks, particularly in Florida. In the last two days, a bomb-sniffing dog and a SWAT agent have been on hand at events.

A particularly rowdy crowd on the day of the New Hampshire primary, January 10, may have expedited the decision. A large group of people surrounded Mitt and Ann Romney that day as they headed to a polling station in Manchester.

Romney's security has been somewhat sparse until now. He has rarely had more than one security guard with him at events.

Herman Cain was the only other candidate in the 2012 primary season to receive Secret Service protection.